Illuminated magazine assembly

ABSTRACT

Provided are illuminated a magazine assemblies that include a magazine baseplate, having a chamber within the baseplate and an illumination source within the chamber. The illumination source may be selected and positioned within the magazine assembly, such that light emitted from the device may be seen within a limited range of sight, preferably such that only a person using the magazine assembly is able to see the light/illumination. The magazine assembly may further include a magazine attached to or integral with the magazine baseplate. Also provided are kits that include a magazine assembly as described herein and one or more additional components, such as instructions or a firearm. Further provided are methods of loading a magazine assembly into a firearm in dark or low light conditions using light produced from an illumination or light source in the magazine assembly.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/545,448 filed on Aug. 14, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an illuminated magazine assembly for containing and feeding cartridges to a firearm. The magazine assembly includes an illumination or lighting source such as an artificial light source or infrared light source, within a housing that is part of the magazine. The lighting source within the magazine assembly is selected and positioned in the magazine assembly, such that light emitted from the device may only be seen within a limited range of sight, preferably such that only a person using the magazine assembly is able to see the light/illumination. The illuminated magazine assembly of the invention may be configured to be attached to, or may be part of, an apparatus (such as a weapon) for which having a night or low-light reloading of a firearm may be advantageous.

BACKGROUND

To produce illumination under low light conditions, the addition of artificial light or infrared light sources such as battery-operated LEDs or tritium-type devices have been used as aiming devices on firearms or other instruments. In a regular illuminated sight such as that provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,562,486, a fiber optic and tritium tube are used in conjunction to produce an illuminated sighting device. With the expansion of use of firearms in low light conditions, the requirement of a self-illuminated sight has been addressed, but other problems associated with using firearms in low light conditions have not been addressed.

SUMMARY

The present inventor determined that the use of illumination on a magazine assembly for a firearm is much needed to aid in quick loading of spare magazines into a firearm. For example, a soldier carries spare ammo in magazines on his chest. In a dark environment, he/she will need to reload his/her rifle. The present self-illuminated magazine assembly allows the soldier to quickly locate the spare magazine and with the tritium vial or other illumination/light source located at the base of the magazine. The illumination can be installed on one side of the magazine (for example, on the side with bullet tips forward) so the soldier will know how to insert the magazine in darkness into the rifle. The present invention greatly improves low light retrieval of the magazine, it also helps ensure the weapon magazine is inserted correctly with the bullet tips forward.

According to non-limiting example embodiments, provided herein are magazine assemblies that include a magazine baseplate, having a chamber within the baseplate and an illumination source within the chamber.

Also provided are kits that include a magazine assembly of the present invention and one or more additional components, such as instructions or a firearm. Kits provided herein may further include instructions and/or tools for assembling or securing the present magazine assemblies (such as screws, or screwdrivers).

Further provided are methods of loading a magazine assembly into a firearm in dark or low light conditions using light produced from an illumination or light source in the magazine assembly.

Further provided herein are firearms that include a magazine assembly of the present invention. Further provided are methods of making magazine assemblies.

DRAWINGS

Non-limiting example embodiments are described herein, with reference to the following accompanying Figures:

FIG. 1A depicts a non-limiting example baseplate portion of the magazine assembly in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a top view of the baseplate and FIG. 1B is an enlarged cut-out portion of the baseplate depicted in FIG. 1A. FIGS. 1C and 1D are non-shaded, line drawings of the baseplate and cut-out thereof depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Each of these views shows an illuminated chamber portion of the baseplate. In the depicted example, the chamber is within the magazine baseplate, and the chamber includes an illumination or lighting source therein to together form the “illuminated chamber”. The baseplate is attached to the magazine itself to form a magazine assembly.

FIGS. 2A-2L depict a non-limiting example of a baseplate for use in the present magazine assembly, from various views. FIG. 2A depicts a top view of the example baseplate, 2B depicts a bottom view (the number depicted thereon is not critical), 2C depicts a perspective view from the top front right, 2D depicts a front plan view, 2E depicts a perspective view from the top front left, 2F depicts a right plan view, 2G depicts a left plan view, 2H depicts a perspective view from the top back right side, 2I depicts a plan view from the back, and FIG. 2J depicts a perspective view from the top back left side thereof. FIGS. 2K and 2L depict bottom perspective views of the example baseplate.

FIGS. 3A-3L are non-shaded, line drawings of the non-limiting example baseplate, corresponding to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A-2L.

FIGS. 4A-4L depict an alternative non-limiting example baseplate of the present magazine assembly from various views. FIG. 4A depicts a top view of an example baseplate, 4B depicts a bottom view, 4C depicts a perspective view from the top front right, 4D depicts a front plan view, 4E depicts a perspective view from the top front left, 4F depicts a right plan view, 4G depicts a left plan view, 4H depicts a perspective view from the top back right side, 4I depicts a plan view from the back, and FIG. 4J depicts a perspective view from the top back left side thereof. FIG. 4K and 4L depict bottom perspective views of the example baseplate.

FIGS. 5A-5L are non-shaded, line drawings corresponding to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4A-4L.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict photographs of an example illuminated magazine assembly in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments of the present invention, from two different views. In particular, FIGS. 6A and 6B depict two top perspective views, one from the back and one from the front of an entire magazine assembly including the illumination source within a chamber in a baseplate portion of the magazine assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions:

In describing example embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to this specific terminology. Unless otherwise noted, technical terms are used according to conventional usage.

As used herein, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein “another” may mean at least a second or more. Furthermore, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms include pluralities and plural terms include the singular.

As used herein, the term “baseplate” means the assembly that made up the base of a magazine for holding a supply of cartridges to be fed to a gun.

As used herein, the term “firearm” means any rifle, pistol, or other portable gun that is suitable for use in the present invention. In particular, firearms that utilize magazines are envisioned herein.

A “magazine” refers to a chamber for holding a supply of cartridges to be fed to a gun. The term magazine as used herein includes a magazine containing any amount of ammunition (or no ammunition), and therefore includes a device that is empty or full or partially full of ammunition. Magazines may be integral to the firearm (fixed) or removable (detachable). The magazine functions by moving the cartridges stored in the magazine into a position where they may be loaded into the chamber by the action of the firearm.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

The present invention provides an illuminated magazine assembly for containing and feeding cartridges to a firearm. The illuminated magazine assembly includes an illumination or lighting source such as an artificial light source 1, within a chamber or housing 2 that is part of the magazine assembly. In particular, the lighting source within the magazine assembly is selected and positioned in the magazine assembly, such that light emitted from the device may only be seen within a limited range of sight, preferably such that only a person using the magazine assembly is able to see the light/illumination or infrared illuminating with the aid of an infrared viewer or night vision device. Also included are magazine baseplates 3 configured to include an illumination or other lighting source as described herein, and methods of making and using the present illuminated magazine assembly and/or baseplate portion thereof.

The magazine assembly of the present invention may include for example, the magazine itself 4, which is configured to hold multiple cartridges/bullets. The present invention should not be limited by whether there are cartridges in the magazine, as magazines may be re-loadable and may be sold with or without cartridges therein. Magazines may be used at various stages of being full or only partially loaded, therefore, while bullets may or may not be present in the magazine, the present invention is not limited thereby.

The magazine assembly includes a magazine baseplate 3 or baseplate portion of the magazine. The baseplate or baseplate portion of the magazine may be manufactured as part of the magazine, or it may be manufactured separately and then attached to the magazine (for example, the magazine baseplate may be manufactured separately from the magazine and then irremovably attached thereto, such that the baseplate forms a permanent or semi-permanent part of the magazine assembly). Because the baseplate may be manufactured separately from the magazine, and the illumination/lighting source of the present invention may be on or in the magazine baseplate, the present invention should also be deemed as encompassing illuminated magazine baseplates 3 that include an artificial light source, as discussed herein, e.g. within a chamber 2, which are configured for being attached to a magazine.

The present invention allows the user to have a self-illuminated magazine in either visible or infrared illumination assembly for containing and feeding cartridges to a firearm. In particular, according to non-limiting example embodiments, the invention provides an illuminated magazine assembly for containing and feeding cartridges to a firearm that includes a light/illumination or infrared illumination source, within a housing.

The lighting/ illumination source may include for example, an artificial light source, which may include e.g. battery-operated LED's or tritium-type devices or an infrared lighting source. According to example embodiments, substantially permanent or long-lasting lighting source may be used. According to further example embodiments, the light source is positioned within or on the magazine baseplate such that light emitted or glowing from the device may be seen only within a limited range of the magazine. For example, an illumination/light source may be within a chamber 3 (to create an illuminated chamber as shown e.g., in the illuminated baseplate and enlarged portion thereof depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B), within or on the baseplate portion of a magazine assembly. Preferably the illumination/ light source is configured and position in such a manner that only a person positioned such that they are looking at the baseplate portion of the magazine assembly (e.g. looking down at the illuminated chamber), may see the light.

The illuminated magazine assembly of the present invention may be configured to be attached to, removably inserted in, or may be part of, an apparatus (such as a firearm) for which the ability to have a night or low-lighting ammo loading and reloading may be advantageous. The infrared version could be viewed only by a soldier's night vision goggles or night vision device. Contemplated apparatuses with which the present magazine devices may be used, or attached to, removably inserted in, or part of, may include for example, air guns, firearms (including personal, military, police or other firearms), or other projectile launching apparatuses, where low light use of firearms is required.

According to non-limiting example embodiments, the baseplate 3 portion of the magazine assembly may include a finger curve out area 5 (the rounded portion at the front, near the illuminated chamber), which helps a user determine the orientation of the assembly, as depicted for example in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The finger curve out area is advantageous for being able to load the assembly in the proper orientation without having to see the assembly. This may be particularly useful in low light or dark conditions, or so one does not have to take his/her eye off a target when loading a new magazine assembly into a firearm.

In non-limiting example embodiments, the present invention provides multiple holes 6 on the top of the baseplate and/or angled slashes or portions 7 on the sides (both aspects of which are depicted e.g., in FIGS. 2-5), which may similarly be used for determining orientation and positioning of the baseplate and therefore also of the entire magazine, for loading or reloading the magazine without necessarily having to see the assembly. These features may also be particularly useful in low light or dark conditions, or so one does not have to take his/her eye off a target.

FIGS. 2A-2L and 3A-3L depict a non-limiting example embodiment of a baseplate in accordance with the present invention. As indicated above, this baseplate may be either formed as part of a magazine assembly, or separately manufactured and later attached to a magazine assembly according to the present invention. FIGS. 4A-4L and 5A-5L depict other non-limiting example embodiments of a baseplate in accordance with the present invention, which have a somewhat different shape, but have similar chamber/housing, artificial light source, etc. as the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A-2L and 3A-3L. It is of course contemplated that variations of these depicted baseplates may be made and still be within the scope and spirit of the present invention and therefore are encompassed by the present application.

In view of the above, provided herein is a magazine assembly that includes a magazine baseplate, having a chamber within the baseplate and an illumination source within the chamber. The illumination source may include an artificial light source. The illumination source may be an infrared light source.

According to non-limiting example embodiments, the illumination source is selected and positioned within the magazine assembly, such that light emitted from the device may be seen within a limited range of sight. The illumination source may be selected and positioned within the magazine assembly, such that only a person using the magazine assembly is able to see the light/illumination.

In further example embodiments, the magazine assembly may include a magazine attached to the magazine baseplate, or the magazine may be integral with the magazine baseplate.

According to example embodiments, the magazine assembly of the invention may be configured to be attached to, or part of, an apparatus for which having a night or low-light reloading of a firearm may be advantageous.

It should be understood that the present magazine assemblies may be provided in various shapes and sizes, and thicknesses, and may be made of any suitable material. By way of non-limiting example, the general shape may be one of the depicted shapes and configurations, but is not limited to such shapes. According to non-limiting examples, the shape, configuration and thickness may be such that the magazine assembly is suitable for using with a desired firearm.

The present invention provides kits that include one or more of the magazine assemblies of the present invention. Example kits may also include one or more of instructions and/or tools for assembling and/or securing the present magazines (such as screws or screw drivers) to a firearm. Thus, according to non-limiting examples, kits herein may include an illuminated magazine assembly and instructions for use of the illuminated magazine assembly. According to further examples, kits may include at least one firearm and an illuminated magazine assembly configured for use with said firearm.

Also provided herein are methods of loading a magazine assembly into a firearm in dark or low light conditions comprising viewing a self-illuminated magazine assembly, using light produced from an illumination or light source in the magazine assembly, e.g., at the base of the magazine assembly; and loading the self-illuminated magazine assembly into the firearm.

Further provided are methods of making a self-illuminated magazine assembly comprising encasing an illumination source within a housing or chamber of a magazine baseplate. As with other embodiments, the magazine baseplate may be separate from or integral with the magazine.

The examples, descriptions, and figures herein are provided to further illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the present baseplates, assemblies and methods of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that this description is meant to be illustrative and does not limit the scope of the present invention. As would be apparent to skilled artisans, many variations and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. It is also intended that the components of the various devices disclosed above may be combined or modified in any suitable configuration. 

I claim:
 1. A magazine assembly comprising a magazine baseplate, having a chamber within the baseplate and an illumination source within the chamber.
 2. The magazine assembly of claim 1, wherein the illumination source comprises an artificial light source.
 3. The magazine assembly of claim 1, wherein the illumination source comprises an infrared light source.
 4. The magazine assembly of claim 1, wherein illumination source is selected and positioned within the magazine assembly, such that light emitted from the device may be seen within a limited range of sight.
 5. The magazine assembly of claim 1, wherein illumination source is selected and positioned within the magazine assembly, such that only a person using the magazine assembly is able to see the light/illumination.
 6. The magazine assembly of claim 1, further comprising a magazine attached to the magazine baseplate.
 7. The magazine assembly of claim 1, further comprising a magazine integral with the magazine baseplate.
 8. The magazine assembly of claim 1, wherein the illuminated magazine assembly of the invention is configured to be attached to, or part of, an apparatus for which having a night or low-light reloading of a firearm may be advantageous.
 9. A kit including an illuminated magazine assembly according to claim 1 and instructions for use of the illuminated magazine assembly.
 10. A kit including at least one firearm and an illuminated magazine assembly configured for use with said firearm.
 11. A method of loading a magazine assembly into a firearm in dark or low light conditions comprising viewing a self-illuminated magazine assembly, using light produced from an illumination source in the magazine assembly, and loading the self-illuminated magazine assembly into the firearm. 